What function determines the need to replenish inventory at branch warehouses?

The function that determines the need to replenish inventory at branch warehouses is Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP). DRP focuses specifically on managing inventory levels and planning the distribution of goods, ensuring that the right amount of product is available at the right location to meet customer demand.

By utilizing DRP, organizations can analyze forecasts of future demand and assess current inventory positions to calculate the necessary requirements for replenishment. This process helps synchronize supply with demand across various distribution centers, making it possible to maintain optimal inventory levels while minimizing excess stock and stockouts.

In contrast, Demand Management primarily revolves around forecasting and understanding customer demand, but it does not directly handle the logistics of inventory replenishment. Distribution Planning is concerned with the overall strategy for distributing products efficiently but lacks the specific mechanics of calculating replenishment needs. Resource Planning focuses on managing and aligning resources to meet production needs and does not address inventory levels at branch warehouses directly.

Therefore, Distribution Requirements Planning is the most relevant function, as it specifically tackles the inventory replenishment process at branch warehouses, enabling organizations to effectively manage their distribution network.